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Wednesday, October 7, 2015

SSS Basilan inaugurates new office

By Rene V. Carbayas

ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Better services are expected from the Social Security System (SSS) as it inaugurated its new office here recently..

The new office is more spacious, comfortable and cozy compared to its previous location in downtown Isabela City. It also acquired new generator set for its air conditioning system to fully function even during brownouts.

The new SSS office in Basilan is located at the ground floor of NFK building in Sunrise, Isabela City. Branch Manager Ma. Salvacion F. Alam has invited Basileños to visit their new office to avail of the improved programs and services of the SSS.

SSS Western Mindanao Division Assistant Vice President Atty. Rodrigo B. Filoteo, together with all other branch managers in Zamboanga Peninsula graced the occasion. The other SSS Branch Heads present were: James B. Buckly (Pagadian), Jaime S. Casumpang (Dipolog), and Rudy M. Lacandalo (Ipil).

Rev. Fr. Franklin Floyd Costan officiated the blessing & inauguration of SSS Basilan new office which would provide better service to its clients.

Speaking on behalf of Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar, Councilor Abner Rodriguez cited the efforts and commitment of SSS in dealing with the needs of every SSS member by making transactions easier & convenient, that afforded more people access to social security. He hopes that SSS can reach more vulnerable sectors.

Lamitan City administrator Danilo Alvaro also lauded the efforts of SSS  for reaching out to Lamitan City employees under job order and contractual services who are not members of  GSIS to avail of SSS services that would provide social security to employees.

At the inauguration last September 29, Philippine National Bank (PNB) Manager Ma. Rica M. Delos Reyes bared that the bank has opened salary loan program to SSS pensioners 69 yrs old below starting June this year with an interest rate of only about 1.25% for 10 months.

In an interview, Atty. Filoteo urged employers in Basilan to enroll their employees and to pay the right amount of contribution based on their salary regularly..

“The rate of penalty [on delinquent employers] imposed is quite high this time under Republic Act 8787 of 1997,” Atty. Filoteo said.

He also asked those currently working as self-employed to visit SSS and enroll themselves as member and be an active member so that in cases of contingencies, one can avail of all the benefits that the system is providing.

He advised delinquent employers to pay diligently because SSS lawyers and account officers will go after them to ensure that the SSS law is being implemented.